Pedestrian Accident Teen Injured
Pedestrian Accident Teen Injured while attempting to cross the road to board his school bus. A 14-year-old high school boy was hit by a pick-up truck. The pedestrian accident occurred in Middleburg Florida on County Road 218 before school at around 7:00 a.m. The school bus heading east on 218 displayed caution lights as the driver of a GMC Sierra pick-up truck approached westbound. The pick-up truck had slowed according to the driver but had not come to a stop as the teen began crossing the road. The school bus reportedly had not yet displayed their stop sign and red lights. The teen a student at Middleburg High School was transported to HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital and then transferred to Wolfson Children’s Hospital. The pick-up truck driver remained at the scene of the accident. The accident will be investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol. Residents in the area would like to see the 45 MPH speed limit reduced.
Parents Talk with Your Children about School Bus Safety
Prevent Pedestrian Accidents around school buses
- Your child should arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Always wait for your School Bus to Display their Stop Sign and Red lights before You Begin to Cross the Street
- Stay five steps away from the curb.
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
- Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
Children Are Victims of Pedestrian Accidents at a Much Higher Rate Than Any Other Age Group
According to Safe Kids, Florida is one of the deadliest states for Pedestrian Accidents involving children. Florida ranked #1 for the most Pedestrian fatalities in the United States. Children under the age of 15 are victims of Pedestrian Accidents at a much higher rate than any other age group. While children accounted for the highest percentage of Pedestrian Accidents according to the Center for Disease Control- 20% and the second highest age group for Pedestrian Accident Deaths at 17 %. Children are on the road early in the morning before the sun is up and, in the afternoon, when traffic is at it’s peak.
Safe Driving in School Zones and around School Buses.
Prevent Pedestrian Accidents around school buses
- Put down your cellphone- Studies revealed reaction times of drivers were more than 40% slower when using a hand-held cellphone.
- Florida Law prohibits talking on a hand-held cell phone in a School Zone or a Construction zone.
- Texting while driving is prohibited in all circumstances.
- Slow down- Observe reduced speed guidelines in school zones.
- School busses have priority on our roads Motorists are required to stop when approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and STOP arms extended. (See the different situations in the diagram)
- Be watchful as you approach school crossing guards. Stop and obey all directions from crossing guards.
- Be watchful for pedestrians, bicycles, and teen drivers. Children and teens are easily distracted and incorrectly judge distances. Don’t drive distracted and slow down.
You can make a difference, save a life and prevent a family from the never-ending heart ache of losing a child.
Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney
Pedestrian Accidents often cause serious injuries and death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Pedestrian Accident you need an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Attorney. Experience, Dedication, Personal Service and a record of Proven Results is the difference between an OK settlement and Thousands of Dollars or even Millions of Dollars more. If you have been injured in a Pedestrian Accident, put our experience to work for you. Call us today for a Free Consultation.
Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys, Barnes & Cohen serving Jacksonville, Florida, Orange Park Florida, Fernandina Beach Florida, Jacksonville Beach Florida, Ponte Vedra Florida, Hillard Florida, Yulee Florida, St Augustine Florida, Nassau County Florida, Clay County Florida, Middleburg Florida and Macclenny Florida. Barnes & Cohen Personal Injury Attorneys in Kingsland serving injured victims in Kingsland Georgia, St Marys Georgia, Woodbine Georgia, Folkston Georgia, Waycross Georgia, Brunswick Georgia and the surrounding South Georgia area.